Finding the best of fresh groceries at farmers markets
With spring in full bloom, it is that time of year to find the best groceries, grown and raised by your neighbors, at local farmers markets. With a plethora of fruits, vegetables, nuts and meats that can be grown and raised locally, Kern County has some of the best products. Some of these are sold at the farmers markets that celebrate local growers and merchants.
Here are some of Bakersfield’s markets:
F Street Farmers Market
2819 F St.
The F Street Farmers Market is the quintessential farmers market that focuses on locally grown produce and plants. In addition, some vendors sell fresh eggs, homemade jams and jellies, and locally sourced honey.
There are a few food stands to buy snacks while you’re shopping and other vendors, but there are not as many stands for items such as homemade jewelry or candles.
Located behind In Your Wildest Dreams on F Street near 28th Street, this market is open from 7:45 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
Riverlakes Farmers Market
3825 Riverlakes Drive
Although the market sells some goods like plants and jewelry, the Riverlakes Farmers Market is more focused on food. Families can come pick out their favorite locally grown produce or meats to prepare for the week or get a snack from one of the many food vendors.
Located next to RiverLakes Ranch Park and Community Center, visitors can pick up a cup of coffee and groceries before enjoying a day at the park.
The Riverlakes Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday.
Haggin Oaks Farmers Market
8800 Ming Ave.
Located in the Kaiser Permanente parking lot, the Haggin Oaks Farmers Market offers a variety of local vendors. In addition to locally grown fresh produce, there are also local small businesses that sell products like candles, clothing and
books. This family-fun environment takes up a large portion of the parking lot and has something for everyone to enjoy.
The market also sells a variety of food items, drinks and snacks like honey-roasted peanuts and dried fruits.
The Haggin Oaks Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday.
Seasonal and other markets
There are also seasonal and temporary farmers markets. For example, Bakersfield College and Cal State Bakersfield occasionally host farmers markets on their campuses.
There are also some farmers market grocery stores, such as Fresh Harvest Market, that sell produce and products from local farmers and ranchers. Fresh Harvest, located at 1420 19th St., is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
For farmers market-type chain grocery stores, there is a Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins on California Avenue and a Trader Joe’s on Stockdale Highway.
There are two Sprouts locations, including the new one on Panama Lane and the other on Stockdale Highway. A Whole Foods will be coming to Bakersfield soon at Coffee Road and Rosedale Highway.
Around Kern County
For those looking for farmers markets throughout the county, there are the Tesch Farms in Delano and Lamont. There is also a well-known Tehachapi Farmers Market, where many locals get fresh groceries grown by local farmers.
Whether you are looking to buy from local artisans and growers or connecting with neighborhood farmers, finding a local farmers market to suit your needs can be a fun experience.